The man has an ID card and British Gas documents

Police are warning people to beware of a man pretending to be a British Gas employee demanding money in Reading.

They say he has called at several houses in the Brighton Road area in recent weeks, asking to read gas or electricity meters and then asking for cash.

The man, who carried British Gas books and folders, and had an ID card, often tells the homeowner that they must pay immediately or be cut off.

Police ask anyone who receives a call from the man to contact them immediately.

No pressure

British gas say their readers always carry ID with their name and telephone number to verify their identity, and would never pressurise people into letting them in.

They also operates a scheme providing meter readers with a password, which is pre-agreed with the homeowner and used when they call at your house.

The man is black, around 6ft and in his late forties, of medium build, with short dark hair and a clean shaven face.

He was wearing navy blue trousers and shiny black boots.

Police advise householders in the area to use their door chain when they get an unexpected caller and to ring the company they claim to be from.